Range Rover’s new Evoque Convertible

Let me introduce you to the future Official Vehicle of Florida. It’s a Range Rover Evoque – wait for it – Convertible.

   So here is a high-riding compact SUV, which we all love these days, with a top that can drop. How cool is that?

   Press a button and that big canvas roof will power back in a mere 18 seconds, and at speeds of up to 30 mph.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible - Compact Convertible SUV - Automotive Preview

   And it’s a super-neat design, with the top folding back like a big ‘Z’. As the front part is a hard shell, it acts like a solid tonneau cover when it’s folded. No clips to wrestle with, no hooks to hook.

   With the top raised, the two-door Evoque Convertible has pretty much the same sleek and sexy roof line as the two-door Evoque coupe. With it lowered, it looks like a sexy drop-top sports car rolling on big wheels.

   A huge part of the appeal is that this 2017 Evoque Convertible offers seats for four, so friends and family can soak up the rays on the way to the beach.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible - Compact SUV - Convertible SUV

   Less appealing is the skinny 8.9 cubic feet of space in the trunk – the regular Evoque offers 19.4. The simple solution? Throw your stuff in the back seat.

   As for safety, the Range Rover engineers have come up with a smart solution to answer any concerns of what might happen in a roll-over.

   Hidden away behind the rear seats are two beefy aluminum posts that shoot upwards within 90 milliseconds of detecting a roll-over, to protect those in the back.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible - Automotive preview with Howard Walker

   Like the regular Evoque hardtop, power comes from a punchy 2.0-liter 240-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic.

   Also, like the regular Evoque, all-wheel drive and plenty of ground clearance come standard, so no worries about those pesky mid-afternoon summer downpours. You’ll splash right through.

   Sadly this new open-top Evoque won’t arrive in time for our winter – also known as Florida convertible season. It lands in showrooms next summer, priced from around $51,000.

   Two trim levels will be on offer – the SE Dynamic and HSE Dynamic.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible with the top up

   Of course, some of you might remember Nissan’s much-maligned Murano CrossCabriolet soft-top SUV.

   Why is the Evoque Convertible any different? Whereas the Murano just looked plain goofy, the Range Rover looks terrific.

   With any fun, fashion car – which is essentially what this new Range Rover is – style definitely matters.

Interior of the 2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible

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